Philippine Coalition Launches Campaign Against US-Led Pax Silica Initiative

• A new coalition of over 70 organizations has launched to oppose the Pax Silica initiative and the proposed Economic Security Zone in New Clark City, Tarlac.
• Critics argue the initiative prioritizes foreign mining interests and potential e-waste importation over local environmental and community safety.
• Indigenous and farming communities report early signs of displacement and harassment related to the project.

Core Concerns

• Environmental Risk: Activists warn that large-scale critical mineral mining will lead to resource depletion and toxic pollution.
• E-Waste Dumping: Concerns exist that Pax Silica may act as a vehicle for imported electronic waste, violating the Basel Convention.
• Data Center Ambiguity: The government has not clarified if energy-intensive data centers, which have faced backlash in the US, will be permitted under the initiative.

Impacts on Local Communities

• Indigenous Aeta communities in Capas, Tarlac, face potential displacement of approximately 1,000 families.
• Community leaders report instances of red-tagging and harassment by government soldiers following their opposition.
• Critics advocate for supporting small-scale domestic mining rather than reliance on foreign investors.

Geopolitical Context

• The network views Pax Silica as a mechanism for the US to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• BAN Toxics asserts that the project serves US global dominance at the expense of Philippine environmental and economic sovereignty.